The Interpretive Journey – Paragraphs Unit 3

 The Word of God speaks.  We want to hear, interpret and apply the Word correctly.  It removes the “I feel” or “I think it means” from our speech.  We mature as Christians.  Experience those “Ah-Ha” moments

 Element #1: Unity. Unity in a paragraph begins with the topic sentence.  Element #2: Order. Order refers to the way you organize your supporting sentences.  Element #3: Coherence. Coherence is the quality that makes your writing understandable.  Element #4: Completeness. Completeness means a paragraph is well-developed.

 Scrutinize the text for all the details, even the most minute  Must be able to see the details  Read seriously  Note as many details as possible  Observe, Observe and Observe  What does the text say?  Not the meaning at this point.

 General: I want dessert.  Specific: I want strawberry shortcake for dessert.

 Galatians 5:16-23:  General: So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  Specific: The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Specific: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

 Occasionally an author will raise a rhetorical question and answer that question.  Romans 6:1-2: What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?  Many of the questions are structured to be answered in a definitive manner – Yes or No.

 Dialogue overlaps with questions & answers  Ask questions of the dialogue:  Who are the participants?  Who is speaking to whom?  What is the setting?  Are other people around?  Are they listening?  Are they participating in the dialogue?  Is the dialogue an argument, discussion or lecture?

 John 13:6-10, 6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I’m doing you don’t understand now, but afterward you will know.” 8 “You will never wash my feet—ever!” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 “One who has bathed,” Jesus told him, “doesn’t need to wash anything except his feet, but he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him. This is why He said, “You are not all clean.”

 Phrases or sentences that describe the reason, the result, or the consequence of some action.  Introduced by: that, to, in order that, and so that  Psalm 119:11, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  Ephesians 2:10, For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

 When an action, a result or a purpose is stated, look for the means that brings about that action, result or purpose.  Romans 8:13, For if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.  Psalm 119:9, How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

 Conditional clauses present the conditions whereby some action, consequence, reality or result will happen.  Condition is introduced by the conjunction: if  Result or consequence is introduced by: then  2 Cor. 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.

 Biblical passages often refer to actions of people and of God.  Identify these and mark them as separate!  Ask if there is a connection between what God does and what people do?  Ephesians 5:1-2, Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

 The Bible is a book about relationships – God & people.  Emotions play a major role in relationship.  Look for words or phrases that convey feeling & emotion.  father  mother  child  daughter  son  Ephesians 4:12, I beg you, brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me…

 Tone will be closely related to emotional terms.  Matthew 23:33-35, “Snakes! Brood of vipers! How can you escape being condemned to hell? This is why I am sending you prophets, sages, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will flog in your synagogues and hound from town to town. So all the righteous bloodshed on the earth will be charged to you …  What is Jesus’ tone?